Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Give details and pictures of your ACVW projects here.
User avatar
V6 Capri
Oil Stain
Posts: 195
Joined: Sun Sep 23, 2018 9:06 pm
What model do you have?: 1972
Location: East Rand
Has thanked: 7 times
Been thanked: 29 times
South Africa

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by V6 Capri »

Spotted on Facebook over the weekend and thought I’d post it here
Image


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


1964 Ford Anglia 997cc
1972 Ford Capri 3L GT
1994 Escort Cosworth (replica)
1996 Escort 2L Zetec

2016 VW Touran 1.6TDi
1971 Baywindow project
Bugger
Advertiser
Advertiser
Posts: 7947
Joined: Fri Jun 09, 2006 6:25 pm
What model do you have?: a Few Models
Facebook: Pierre Bugger Eksteen
Location: Johannesbirg
Has thanked: 18 times
Been thanked: 58 times

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by Bugger »

Project is gaining momentum


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Adapterplates Available for Rotary in Beetle and others aswell
And Special Boxes built for Rotary Conversions and Scubies
Pierre
082 600 8663

CLick on Banner Below to be routed to the Web site

Image
User avatar
retrovan
Donor
Donor
Posts: 8709
Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:51 pm
What model do you have?: 52T1,68FB,72Bay,75FL
Location: Eich! no, in Jefferys Bay
Has thanked: 421 times
Been thanked: 539 times
Contact:
Netherlands

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by retrovan »

V6 Capri wrote: Tue Jun 04, 2019 6:07 am Spotted on Facebook over the weekend and thought I’d post it here
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thats the one near the front of this thread.

Thanks for posting.

Herman
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
User avatar
retrovan
Donor
Donor
Posts: 8709
Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:51 pm
What model do you have?: 52T1,68FB,72Bay,75FL
Location: Eich! no, in Jefferys Bay
Has thanked: 421 times
Been thanked: 539 times
Contact:
Netherlands

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by retrovan »

Yes we are still working on the MeFusco.

Just nor much to see, but we are taking pic's as we go.

These will not make much sense if viewed on at a time, but will work when seen as an progression.

Yes we are still busy with the front mud guards, as they are essential to the rest of the body work, now that we have addressed the "un-Do-able"

Herman
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
User avatar
retrovan
Donor
Donor
Posts: 8709
Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:51 pm
What model do you have?: 52T1,68FB,72Bay,75FL
Location: Eich! no, in Jefferys Bay
Has thanked: 421 times
Been thanked: 539 times
Contact:
Netherlands

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by retrovan »

Been sometime since I posted photo's of what was happening with MeFusco.

So here are a few, as it is easier to explain with pictures... :shock:

As stated before, I am busy with the front mudguards,

as they need to tie into the side body-work and then to the back wheel body-work.

Now you guys have seen the sick looking bits and bobs welded together to make up the mudguard shape,

and wondered if it will ever come together.

Now here goes, trying to explain what goes on in my head.... :roll:

The bits of mudguard welded together is there to shape a form to cover,

to make the PLUG that will be used to make the fiberglass mould, from which we will make a usable mudguard.

Now keep in-mind that we need to make a LH as well as a RH.

The mudguard was removed from the body, and the internal joints were welded up to give strength,

as we would need to grind the outer welding edges smooth so as not to mess up the PLUG.

Image

Then the spandex type materiel will be drawn over the shape of the mudguard.

This is not as stretchy as Spandex, as I need it to be able to be pulled taught.

Last thing we want is for it to start sagging when the epoxy resin is applied.

Image

This took the most time as all the wrinkles needed to be pulled out in one or other direction to get the gentle curves we want and need.

This then get pegged into place with the missises wash-line pegs, (please do not tell)

Image

Because the light bowl would not come out right in a fiberglass moulding, and we need the edge for the light surround to fix to,

we have cut out the bowl, and will be refitting it into the fender when done.

Used an old cutting disk to pull the shape into the light hole.

Image

Then we started epoxying the entire parts as well as in between the pegs.

These will be moved once the resin is dry, and re coated.

Image

Coated and then pulled in the fabric to form the door opening step, and clamped it down till cured.

Coated the entire unit with 1st coat resin, and allowed to harden.

Image

Image

Now we have an shape to show you, and get some reaction to the visual aspect of our "Butch" fender.

Let me know what to think, Here's hoping that you feel I have captured the "Beetle" feel and still make it functional.

Image

Image

Image

Image

So now you have had your fix, as the work on making the mould and smoothing, polishing, and making of the mud guard is time consuming.

So till then.

thanks for looking.

Herman
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
User avatar
Tony Z
Donor
Donor
Posts: 14992
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2005 8:33 am
What model do you have?: 2.3L 69; 1302; P/Van
Location: Klipheuwel (near Durbanville), Cape Town or working at sea
Has thanked: 191 times
Been thanked: 487 times
South Africa

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by Tony Z »

good job well done.
To me though, it looks too much like a flared fender, where I would have preferred the look of a "fat boy" fender (rounder instead of flared) with the headlight moved outwards a little. Or in other words, it looks like a fender that was flared on the outside, where I'd prefer the look of a fender that was flared where it meets the body (from the inside).

This
Image

instead of this
Image

if you get my logic

Sorry, you wanted opinions
User avatar
retrovan
Donor
Donor
Posts: 8709
Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:51 pm
What model do you have?: 52T1,68FB,72Bay,75FL
Location: Eich! no, in Jefferys Bay
Has thanked: 421 times
Been thanked: 539 times
Contact:
Netherlands

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by retrovan »

Fair comment Tony, Thanks,

Have thought of that as well,

The only problem I have is the McPherson strut that needs height up near the body, and to move the Fat Boy fender up that high would make it look ridiculous.

you need to keep in mind that the fender is slopping down back to front, so will give it a totally different look to what you see on the table.

But thanks for your input, much appreciated.

Herman
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
Haans
Camshaft
Posts: 893
Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:10 pm
What model do you have?: 1960 ghia
Location: Nelson Mandela Metro
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 107 times
South Africa

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by Haans »

You impressed me again!!,..and with some type of cloth? Nogal!!,......

Haans
User avatar
Réhann
Drip
Posts: 23
Joined: Mon Dec 20, 2010 5:16 pm
What model do you have?: Q7 -almost a Volksie
Location: Joburg
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 2 times

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by Réhann »

8)
My naam is Réhann en ek is 'n Volksie-fan!
Bugger
Advertiser
Advertiser
Posts: 7947
Joined: Fri Jun 09, 2006 6:25 pm
What model do you have?: a Few Models
Facebook: Pierre Bugger Eksteen
Location: Johannesbirg
Has thanked: 18 times
Been thanked: 58 times

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by Bugger »

Good work so far
I tend to agree with Tony but as you mentioned there is a reason you built it the way you did

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Adapterplates Available for Rotary in Beetle and others aswell
And Special Boxes built for Rotary Conversions and Scubies
Pierre
082 600 8663

CLick on Banner Below to be routed to the Web site

Image
User avatar
retrovan
Donor
Donor
Posts: 8709
Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:51 pm
What model do you have?: 52T1,68FB,72Bay,75FL
Location: Eich! no, in Jefferys Bay
Has thanked: 421 times
Been thanked: 539 times
Contact:
Netherlands

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by retrovan »

Thanks guys....

What I have decided was that I would make them this way, fit them to the MeFusco,

and when the truck is ready with all its body work,

make inserts that would bulge out the fender to form the "Fat Boy" shape and see which looks more acceptable.

These can then be added later without much effort.

if decided that it will work without looking ridiculous.

More do-able then the other way round.

Much appreciate your input, as one needs to see it through other eyes some times.

But that's the joys of a one-off.

Herman
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
Dawie
Fuel Injection
Posts: 2110
Joined: Sat Sep 30, 2006 10:25 pm
What model do you have?: Aircooled, various
Location: Kaapstadt
Has thanked: 42 times
Been thanked: 207 times
South Africa

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by Dawie »

Good to see progress.

Did you consider moving the door's lower hinge upwards and cut the door instead of the fender?
Image
Staying Aircooled is so much nicer.
Do'nt assume anything- (While doing fault-finding).
User avatar
retrovan
Donor
Donor
Posts: 8709
Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:51 pm
What model do you have?: 52T1,68FB,72Bay,75FL
Location: Eich! no, in Jefferys Bay
Has thanked: 421 times
Been thanked: 539 times
Contact:
Netherlands

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by retrovan »

Well spotted Dawie, you always see these things .. :D

As everybody has the door cut out, and because I am having a step or two lower down, to line up with the bed at the back,

I thought it would look nice as a step.

Once again, will only know when the body work is complected.

It may work or it may look like :bn:

But can be rectified later if I have a dislike to it.

Also, the cut out in the door will be massive ..... :shock:

The basic feeling is that this McFusco is "Different" so want to stay away from the stereo type build, but still have it "Beetle"

Not sure if my explanation makes sense to you or if you know what I mean. ??

But if I can get the truck to get the reaction of ;- "' I would not do it that way but hell it works"" :hangloose:

This may just prove the feeling that I am mad. :lol: :lol:

Herman
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
Haans
Camshaft
Posts: 893
Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:10 pm
What model do you have?: 1960 ghia
Location: Nelson Mandela Metro
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 107 times
South Africa

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by Haans »

Were you ever in any doubt ???😱😂🤣

Sometimes I think the whole lot of us on this forum is certifiable!!!!

Haans
User avatar
retrovan
Donor
Donor
Posts: 8709
Joined: Mon Feb 07, 2011 8:51 pm
What model do you have?: 52T1,68FB,72Bay,75FL
Location: Eich! no, in Jefferys Bay
Has thanked: 421 times
Been thanked: 539 times
Contact:
Netherlands

Re: Retrovans MeFusco Beetle Truck Project

Post by retrovan »

:lol: :lol:

Herman
1952 Split Beetle 1835cc
1968 Fastback 2Lt.type4
1972 Low Light Bay Panel Van 2Lt type 4
1975 Fleetline Panel Van 1914cc
2020 MeFusco Beetle Truck 2Lt type 4
1972 FT Hahn SP 1776 cc
Post Reply